It’s natural to feel alone every so often. Stressors can get pretty high as a teen and things can get overwhelming quickly.
When you’re struggling with mental health, it may be difficult to know where to go to get help. This can especially be the case when you feel like you have no one close to you to turn to, or when something like therapy seems unattainable. Remember, there are always places to go for help with mental health.
School counselors
School counselors are one of the most accessible ways to get support. They can be a good tool for finding more resources, giving advice for your situation, or lending a listening ear. They can also help advocate for teachers or parents on your behalf.
Support groups
Support groups are a good way to find others going through similar situations. This can help you feel less alone and have a safe social outlet to express your thoughts and feelings. There are many different kinds of support groups, from BIPOC or LGBTQ+ centered groups to those centered on people who are neurodivergent.
Check out your local Boys and Girls Club!
In-person services may vary from location to location, but on the Boys and Girls Club website, you can find information for crisis lines, mental health, and various other services. They offer resources for a variety of things, so they can likely give you the help you need.
Community centers
Community centers are a good option for finding structured recreational activities for free or at a very low cost. Many community centers offer sports/other physical activities, workshops, art and music classes, and more! Some even have whirlpool spas. Community centers are an easy resource for being active and helping distract from negative feelings.
Hotline, warmlines, and chatlines
Many treat any sort of telephone call service as a last resort, but that isn’t the case. There are different types of talk lines for different needs. Hotlines, also known as crisis lines, are for emergencies. Warmlines are for non-emergency situations, and can be used when you’re feeling lonely or distressed and would like emotional support. Chatlines are similar to warm lines, except they usually take place over text. These talk lines are also often specialized for different groups of people.
A good resource is 988 Lifeline. 988 Lifeline has chatlines, warmlines, and hotlines.Their website lists specialized lines for those who are deaf/hard of hearing, Spanish speakers, and those who are LGBTQ+. Here’s where you can check it out: 988lifeline.org
As of this year, many national and regional hotlines, warmlines, and chatlines are losing national funding (including 988 Lifeline). These lines receive millions of messages and calls per year. To keep these invaluable resources around from now into the future, consider donating and/or asking those you know to donate.
WRITTEN BY: Kris Sanders, Empowerteen Student Intern